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Generally, estimating costs for this type of benefit is problematic, and any cost estimate provided will be subject to criticism because it involves assumptions and subjectivity. A rudimentary analysis was provided for illustrative purposes. However, multiple criticisms can be levied on any quantifiable methodology utilized for a program like this. The ancillary costs of the benefit (such as overtime and potential legacy severance payments) were not supplied as it would be of a much more complex and time-consuming nature and wrought with assumptions that may not play out in real time. Costs associated with "training for backup coverage; and additional supplies, equipment, or materials" would be negligible or non-existent in most circumstances. The notice requirement of the legislation will assist in planning for staffing levels. On the flip side, PTO was used in all cases identified in the illustration. Therefore, it can be argued that the real cost is zero to the City because this would be paid out of an employee's PTO bank anyway, as it was for all the employees involved. Generally, costs associated with this type ofprogram are difficult to quanta ifand when they exist, can be mitigated through administrative planning, and may not be realized until an employee severs employment when and if leftover PTO exists. Therefore, any type of quantifiable analysis is merely a rough, subjective estimate based on certain assumptions that could vary widely from any actual cost. Director Rancatore noted that this is a benefit that many employees are already receiving through paid time off. There were roughly 8-13 people that took a benefit similar to this over the last 3 years. Mr. Rancatore noted that no significant effects on the budget were anticipated. He noted that this is a diversity issue and not a financial one. Councilmember Bullock stated that the city should know more about the costs associated with the policy and suggested leaving it to the collective bargaining process. He suggested keeping an accounting figure of the yearly cost of the policy. He suggested that if the costs were more than anticipated, then that would affect the next round of collective bargaining negotiations. Mayor George expressed her embarrassment and offense at Councilmember Bullock's remarks and stated that this is an equality issue for women. She noted that women have had to draw down their paid leave banks to give birth, creating disparity between men and women. She noted that the city cannot project how many people will take advantage of the benefit, but using past data, the administration is confident this will not cause financial pressure. Councilmember Bullock suggested applying the policy evenly to men as well. Mayor George stated the policy is focused on more than bonding time with a newborn. It is there to give women time to recover from a serious medical procedure. She stated 2 weeks were given to men and women for bonding, and the remaining 10 weeks were provided to women for the recovery.